I attended a really great autism conference over the weekend. I have been to many of these over the years, but this one was different for me. Instead of learning about what autism is and how it was going to affect my boys, all the different types of therapy available and the latest and greatest, I focused on where we are headed in the future. I often wonder what lies in store for my sweet boys. The keynote speaker was Dr. Temple Grandin, a autistic 61 year old woman. She was raised in the 50's when children with autism where institutionalized. My mom and I heard her mother speak a few years ago and I found her to be amazing. Anyway, Dr. Grandin has written a new book about developing talents and job skills to our amazing kiddos so that they may find a career one day. She was fascinating to listen to, but more so to watch. She confirmed my belief that you cannot cure autism, just roll with what life throws at you with each developmental stage and do the very best that you can.
It seems like yesterday that I was worried my children would never talk, wear normal clothes, go to school or interact in their community. Now we are looking at teen age scenerios that are almost common, and looking at the best 9th grade options we can find. Jax will do amazing things with his bright, big mind. Today he is convinced that he will be the world's best palentologist.
As I talk with other mothers and listen to their stories I thank my Heavenly Father for my situation. No matter how difficult some days are and how much I wish my boys didn't have to deal with autism, I am so very blessed. I realize that things could be so much worse. Autism is a challenge, a very real and difficult one, but it has taught me to be patient, understanding, creative, appreciative and to treasure the insight my children give me.
